Bowling Green, Ky. - Kevin Cary, an instructor in Western Kentucky University's Department of Geography and Geology and director of the Geographic Information Science Laboratory, recently passed professional accreditation to receive the designation of Certified GIS Professional (GISP).

Cary is one of only 10 GIS professionals in the Commonwealth certified by the national GIS Certification Institute (http://www.gisci.org/) and one of only two GIS educators certified in Kentucky.

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is a tax-exempt not-for-profit organization that provides the geographic information systems (GIS) community with a complete certification program. GISCI offers participants from the first early years on the job until retirement a positive method of developing value for professionals and employers in the GIS profession.

"GIS is influencing today's world in much the same way as splitting the atom did in the 1940s," said Dr. David Keeling, head of the Department of Geography and Geology. "GIS is a powerful geographical and analytical tool that can enhance research and teaching in every discipline. Kevin's professional certification will help Western to position itself as the leading GIS educational center in the Commonwealth."

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For information, contact Geography and Geology at (270) 745-4555.